Kip’s Corner

We Went to the Masters — And It Confirmed Everything We Teach

By Kip Puterbaugh

There are golf experiences, and then there are once-in-a-lifetime golf experiences. Last week, our team had the privilege of attending the Masters Tournament at AugustaNational. What we saw, felt, and learned will stay with us for a long time — and we want to share it with you, because ultimately, everything we experienced comes back to what we teach here at the academy.

Augusta National: Disneyland for Golfers. If you’ve never been to Augusta National, let me try to describe it: walking those grounds is like visiting the cathedrals of Europe. It’s overwhelming for the senses — the color of the grass, the silence of the crowds, the weight of the history. It’s not just a golf course. It’s a place that makes you feel something.

The updates they’ve recently made to the clubhouse are nothing short of breathtaking. Augusta continues to evolve while somehow feeling timeless. The Masters is, officially, Disneyland for golfers — and I mean that in the best possible way.

A Moment We’ll Never Forget: Larry Mize’s Private Tour Here’s where our trip went from incredible to unforgettable.

Many of you may know that one of my proudest achievements as an instructor is having worked with Larry Mize — the 1987 Masters Champion, known for one of the most iconic chip shots in tournament history. Larry came to me a few years after his Masters win, already at the top of the game, still hungry to refine his craft. That says everything about the kind of player — and person — he is.

And that generosity of spirit was on full display last week. Larry personally welcomed us and gave our group a private tour of the Augusta National clubhouse — areas that most peoplewill never have the privilege of seeing: The Champions Locker Room — the names on those lockers read like a who’s who of golf royalty The Trophy Room — standing in front of those trophies, you feel the entire history of the game. The entire clubhouse — every detail crafted with the same obsessive care that Augusta puts into everything it does. Walking through those rooms with Larry — a Masters Champion who, even at the peak of his career, never stopped looking to improve — was a moment I won’t soon forget. It was a reminder of why we do what we do. Larry, thank you. Your generosity and kindness meant the world to our entire team. What We Saw on the Range — And Why It Matters to You Beyond the history, the beauty, and the behind-the-scenes access, we were there to watch the best golfers in the world work. And what stood out most? The way they practice. Here’s what you don’t see on TV: these players are not just beating balls. Every single shot has a clear intention behind it. They know exactly what they’re working on, why they’re working on it, and what they’re trying to feel. There is no wandering. There is no searching. There is only purpose.

Most amateur golfers are caught in the exact opposite loop. They head to the range without a plan, hit a bucket of balls, search for the next tip online, try a new drill they found on YouTube, and repeat — without ever really knowing where they’re going.

Kip on Podcast with Scotty Scheffler’s coach Randy Smith

In case you missed it, Kip was on a podcast discussing the golf swing alongside Scotty Scheffler’s coach Randy Smith.

You can watch the interview here:

Bobby Jones’ Black Swan Event

Bobby Jones’ transformative meeting with Walter Travis at Augusta Country Club can be seen as a “black swan event” in golf history—an unexpected and highly impactful moment that changed the course of the sport.

In the context of golf, Jones was already a highly talented player, but his putting was a weakness that held him back. Nobody could have predicted that a brief meeting between him and Travis—a man who had long since retired from competitive golf—would have such a profound impact. This encounter was not planned or part of any formal coaching structure. In fact, Jones arrived 15 minutes late to their first scheduled meeting years earlier, missing the opportunity. Yet when they finally met, the advice Travis gave Jones—small adjustments to his grip, stance, and mental approach to putting—triggered a monumental shift in his career.

The “black swan” nature of this event lies in its unpredictability and the massive impact it had on Jones’ success and, by extension, the history of golf. After that meeting, Jones went on to win 12 of his next 16 majors, an unprecedented streak of dominance that culminated in the Grand Slam of 1930. His success brought enormous attention to the game and eventually led to the creation of Augusta National and the Masters, a tournament that remains one of the most prestigious in the sport.

Without this unexpected intervention, Jones might never have become the dominant force that he was, and the landscape of golf might look very different today. In a world of highly technical and complicated golf advice, it’s good to remember that the difference between good and great, or average and good, does not require a phd.

The video below details the events that happened and is a great watch!

Facebook Post from Puterbaugh Golf Academy

Celebrating Harvey, Life Lessons from the Little Red Book

Harvey Penick’s birthday just passed (October 23rd, 1904).

He was a revered figure in the world of golf, not only a masterful instructor but also a purveyor of timeless life lessons. His teachings, encapsulated in “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book,” extend far beyond the greens, offering valuable insights that resonate with individuals both on and off the golf course. Let’s explore some of the profound life lessons imparted by this legendary golf coach.

1. Stay Positive, Swing Positive:

One of Penick’s foremost propositions is the power of positivity. In his doctrine, sustaining an optimistic outlook greatly influences one’s performance. Whether tackling a challenging hole on the green or traversing life’s hurdles, each situation with a positive demeanor increases chances of better outcomes.

2. Embrace Simplicity:

Penick’s teachings emphasise the importance of simplicity within golf and life. He argued that unnecessary complexity is often an impediment to progress. By championing simplicity, it allows individuals to concentrate on the core aspects of their game and life, reducing unnecessary distractions, leading to clearer cognitive processes and enhanced decision-making ability.

3. Continuous Learning:

As a passionate lifelong student, Penick highlighted the significance of never-ending learning. In golf, as in life, he motivated individuals always to welcome new perspectives. The disposition to accept change and grow is instrumental in both personal and professional development.

4. Value Character:

Character and integrity were of high value to Penick. His philosophy emphasised that conduct on the course mirrors a broader life ethic. Attributes such integrity, honesty, and respect for others are not only success drivers in golf, but they’re also pivotal to success in life.

5. Patience Pays Off:

Golf, often cited as a game of patience, endowed Penick with the wisdom of awaiting the opportune moment. This lesson extends to life where challenges might test one’s tenacity. Penick promoted patience as a virtue that influences better decisions and enhances resilience.

6. Respect the Game, Respect Yourself:

Respect for the sport of golf, together with the rules and protocol that guide it, was a fundamental tenet of Penick’s teachings. Such respect, he claimed, extends to how individuals interact with others and themselves. Respect for the game instills a sense of responsibility and honor.

7. Adapt to Challenges:

Life, full of challenges, triggers the need for adaptability, as recognized by Penick. Whether dealing with an awkward lie on the golf course or stumbling upon life’s hurdles, the ability to adjust seamlessly is a crucial skill. Meeting changes and challenges head-on can enhance personal and professional growth.

8. Teach and Share Knowledge:

Penick’s commitment to imparting knowledge went beyond the realms of golf. He valued the giving and receiving inherent in the sharing of knowledge—those who teach increase their own understanding. This lesson instills a sense of community and perpetuates wisdom to the forthcoming generations.

With themes of positivity, simplicity, lifeling education and respect, Penick’s guidelines present a comprehensive strategy to confront both golf and life’s challenges. practicing these teachings, we pay respect to the rich legacy of this golf Maestro and insightful life philosopher.

Awards For Our Staff

October has been a good month for our staff.

The first piece of good news came when Golf Digest Magazine did their annual Best Teachers in the State issue.

We have 7 instructors at the academy and all 7 were within the top 35 for the State of California. With the size and population of California, I am very proud of this accomplishment for our staff.

The second piece of good news was I was inducted into the California PGA Teachers Hall of fame.

It is a great honor to receive this praise from your contemporaries and the PGA.

The third item was that Golfweek just ranked Alana Uriell, a student of my son Jason for the past 8 years, as the 8th Best Female Collegiate Golfer in the Country.

Our staff is excited about these accomplishments and will continue to work to become better at our craft!

Tiger Plays

What has been a great year of golf has concluded with Tiger Woods return to tournament golf for the first time in 16 months.

As a swing instructor I saw many good things that he has done with his swing.

He led the field with 24 birdies but also led the field with double bogey’s.

Regardless of his finishing 15th out of 18 players it was great to see him back.

I hope it means he will be able to play a complete season in 2017.

Hideki Matsuyama won the tournament to finish the year in great fashion, winning four out of his last five events!

With Jordan Spieth winning the Australian Open, Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy  having great years, 2017 should be another great year to watch tournament golf.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2016 Year in Review

What a year of professional golf!

After Tiger Woods withdrawal from Safeway Classic it made me think that we do miss Tiger on the Tour, but boy, do we have some great players playing the game right now.

As 2016 started it seemed that Jason Day was going to continue winning everything after he won the Players.

It seemed impossible that Jordan Spieth would implode on the famed 13 hole of Augusta.

They both became more of minor players through the rest of the year in the big events. What emerged was Dustin Johnson.

He drove the ball with distance and accuracy never seen before in golf.

The USGA tried to derail him at the US Open, but he won a lot of fans in his victory.

The Open Championship was golf at its absolute best during the final round showdown between Stenson and Mickelson.

The PGA went to Jimmy Walker and it was a popular win among all the tour.

Jason Day might have hit the best 2 iron into the last hole in the history of golf.

260 yards uphill to 12 feet. I still haven’t figured that out!

The Ryder Cup sealed the year in perfect wrapping paper.

I don’t ever remember 3 days of such great golf and for the USA to get the Cup back was awesome.

The return of Rory McIlroy with a hot putter and Patrick Reed will go down as one of the greats.

Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia also played a match never seen before, both shooting 9 under.

So I hope that Tiger can return sometime to competitive golf, but if he doesn’t, the game is in great hands!

Gears Motion Analysis Coming to Aviara Golf Academy

For the last nine years we have had the nations most successful TaylorMade Performance Lab.

We had the 3D Motion Analysis System designed for TaylorMade, combined with a great staff to get the best fit possible. Starting in Mid April we are opening a new venture where we will be fitting clients with either Callaway, Ping, Titleist or TaylorMade Clubs.

To aid in the fit we will be featuring the first Gears Motion Analysis setup in Southern California.

The improvements in 3D capture are really remarkable since or first unit was installed 9 years ago. This new technology combined with the choice of multiple product lines will give the customer a greater chance to find clubs that give them maximum performance.

Remember, our professional staff has 6 teachers in the Golf Digest survey that finished in the top 30 of the state of California.

We are all excited about this new venture and can’t wait to get it up and running.

The West Coast Swing Enters the Final Two Weeks

As the 2016 Season continues, there has been some interesting wins. Jordan wining the Tournament of Champions was quite impressive throughout the entire 4 rounds. Fabian Gomez surprised with some great clutch putting to get into a playoff with Brandt Snedeker. Rack up another victory for the young guys as Fabian won the playoff with Snedeker. Then Jason Dufner showed everybody that when he is on, he is a force. He got an unbelievable break on the 17th hole in regulation to have a swing and shot from all the rocks in the hazard surrounding the water. He went on to victory in a playoff over David Lingmerth. Snedeker then won at San Diego with probably one of the greatest rounds in foul weather in the history of the Tour. How he shot a 69 on Torrey Pines South in the high winds and rain is really amazing. Then Hideki Matsuyama wins in Phoenix in another playoff with Rickie Fowler. My take on this early play of the year is that Rickie won in Dubai, unfortunately hit a driver perfect and hit a down slope in the fairway and spring boarded forward like a shot and went through the green and into the water to make a bogey in Phoenix. Keep you eye on him as the majors approach. Spieth played a few tournaments overseas after the Tournament of Champions win and I hope he doesn’t tire himself out too early in the year. My prediction for the this article is that Phil Mickelson is going to win soon. His ball striking is so much better, as in Phoenix he was 13th in Accuracy, 12th in Distance and 6th in Greens hit in Regulation. The Florida swing starts soon, and before we know it, Augusta will be here. I can’t wait!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

It is 10 days till Christmas and the year 2016 is right around the corner. I hope that you all have a Great Christmas and Santa brings you the opportunity to play a lot of golf for 2016. If you make the decision that you want to play “better golf”, we hope that you will visit us at The Aviara Golf Academy. We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary, and it doesn’t seem possible that we have been here that long. As for the state of the game and my wishes for the year of golf ahead of us, here is my wish list. I hope that Jordan Spieth wins another Major. I would also like Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy win a major. That leaves one major open that either Jason Day, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka or Dustin Johnson will win. Check back with me in a year and see how I did!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Race to Dubai

The year is drawing to a close with the only major event left being the European Tour’s “Race to Dubai”.

It looks like it could get pretty exciting with Rory McIlroy just ahead of Danny Willitt.

As the European Tour season draws to a close, the PGA Tour has already started the 2016 year.

(Slightly confusing)  As I mentioned in my last post, the young players are really doing well, and they have completely dominated the early tournaments.

Granted, all the top players are not playing, but that doesn’t mean the wins have been diminished.

My player to watch continues to be Justin Thomas, and his win in the CIMB Classic was very impressive.

The last item I want to mention is that Phil Mickelson has just fallen out of the Top 25 in the World list.

Why is that mentioned? He had been in the Top 25 for 20 and I believe 3 weeks straight.

Some might call Mickelson inconsistent, but this fact would have to say that he has been incredibly consistent!

Young Players are Here to Stay!

As the tournaments pass in the 2015 season it is now apparent that a new group of young players has taken root, and I don’t think they are going away.

Yesterday Chris Kirk got his 4th tour victory and Jordon Spieth was right on his tail 1 stroke behind. 23 year old Byeong An won the BMW Championship at Wentworth, one of the top championships for the European Tour. With McIlroy winning the Match Play and then at Quail Hollow, Spieth’s great win at Augusta, the game is in great hands.

Other young players to watch, Justin Thomas, Ben Martin, Kevin Kisner, Daniel Berger and four time winners Patrick Reed and Chris Kirk.

US open is right around the corner!

Great time to watch the game.